One of Macomb County’s most enduring and endearing charitable efforts resumes again next month when Wertz’s Warriors saddle up for their 32nd annual fund-raising snowmobile ride.

More than 40 hearty enthusiasts will climb aboard their snow machines Feb. 3 for the annual 900-mile trek, criss-crossing northern Michigan in their quest to raise funds for the Michigan Special Olympics.

The ride has raised nearly $9 million since 1982, when former Detroit Tigers player and local beer distributor Vic Wertz convinced several employees and their friends that riding a snowmobile across Michigan could be a lot of fun and serve a good cause at the same time.

Several years later, former Detroit News sportswriter Joe Falls tagged along with the snowmobilers and dubbed them “Wertz’s Warriors,” a moniker that stuck and has become synonymous with the winter Michigan Special Olympics.

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Over the years, sports stars including former Detroit Tigers Bill Freehan, Jack Morris and Mark “The Bird” Fidrych participated in the ride.

Lt. Col. Donald “Digger” Odell, who served five years as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam during the 1960s, joined the ride as a support crew member in its second year. Now 78, Odell has no intention of quitting anytime soon.

He’s reminded why every year when the caravan pulls into Traverse City and the Warriors meet the Michigan Special Olympics athletes and their families.

“When you see those smiling faces, you keep going back,” Odell said.

Grateful his own children were healthy and happy, the former POW considers himself blessed. He’s proud to be part of an organization that gives back by enabling special athletes to participate and to shine.

“Maybe in the old days they would have been kept in the basement or a back room,” Odell said. “This gives them an opportunity.”

Larry Ternes embarked on the initial snowmobile ride in 1982 and every one since. A charter member, Ternes said his participation in Wertz’s Warriors has been a life-changing experience.

“Becoming a Warrior has not only enriched my life, but it has also allowed me to experience the joy of it, through acts of kindness, generosity and giving of oneself to others,” Ternes wrote in “One Warrior’s Story” published in the group’s 2013 pamphlet.

Ternes singled out the people in the small towns and communities of northern Michigan, who turn out year after year to support Wertz’s Warriors.

“To me, these are the true Warriors, for they have supported our cause without hesitation,” Ternes wrote.

The 2013 snowmobile ride gets under way Feb. 3. But first, Selfridge Air National Guard Base and the Selfridge Base Community Council will hold their annual Spaghetti/Chicken Dinner this Friday at Zuccaro’s Banquets and Catering, 46001 N. Gratiot, Chesterfield Township.

Tickets are $14 each and include dinner and non-alcoholic beverages. A cash bar also will be available. Meal hours are 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The event also will feature a live auction and door prizes.

For more information about Wertz’s Warriors or the dinner, call (586) 954-9770 or send an email to: wertzwarriors@msn.com.